Photoelectrocatalytical Kolbe synthesis on thin film electrode of n-TiO2

Abstract

The possibility of the photoelectrochemical reaction of acetate and trifluoroacetate oxidation to yield the corresponding hydrocarbons and perfluorocarbons on UV illumination of a film of nanosized titania n-TiO₂ is demonstrated by the methods of cyclic voltammetry and preparative photoelectrolysis. Thus, the use of solar energy makes it possible to synthesize the Kolbe reaction products at substantially lower potentials on electrodes-catalysts containing no platinum.